Parallel sessions

This year's launch, commissioning and early science of the James Webb Space Telescope offer a powerful springboard for public engagement with astronomy in the UK. There is already keen public interest in the telescope and its science goals, and the mission can provide an inspiring context for curriculum-based learning and exploration of STEM careers within schools. People at dozens of organisations across the UK have helped to make Webb and will use it for early science, making it a local story for communities across the country.

To make the most of this opportunity, partnerships and networks have formed over the past three years to develop and deliver public engagement and education projects which aim to inspire and involve schools and public audiences with Webb. Many of these projects concurrently seek to prioritise traditionally underserved audiences and promote best practice for inclusion. Reaching over 115,000 people to date, projects have drawn on the shared expertise of engineers and scientists, students and educators, science engagement professionals, and community groups.

This session aims to strengthen links between the Webb research community and the broader communities involved in Webb-related public engagement and education in the run-up to launch. A key purpose is to give early Webb observers the opportunity to connect with educators and engagement specialists already providing meaningful engagement with the mission, and vice versa. The session will include a mission status update and structured networking and will invite contributions from:

• Academics involved in Webb research areas who are interested in engaging the public or schools with their work
• Teachers, students and/or education specialists engaging with Webb science and engineering within schools
• Science engagement professionals and others engaging public audiences with the Webb mission